Braun MM 4A-8U Console Stereo

[Buffettfan33]

This is my first of what I'm sure will be many posts, so hello and thank you to all of you for your help.

I have an opportunity to buy a Braun MM 4A-8U console stereo for $100. You can see an example at
http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/braun_mm4a_8u.html

Here's the catch: It currently won't power on. The owner said that before he bought it 5 years ago, the previous owner had replaced all the caps. The current owner says that it worked for about a year, but hasn't worked since.

The wood is in good condition, with only one chip to one of the corners. The speaker cloth is intact, but has some stains. It also comes with an extra Telefunken cartridge.

I'm willing to do some work on it to get it back running, but I want to know what the value of this is in its current state. I'm also curious what the value would be if I get it working again.

 

[sheltie dave]

It is worth $100.

Future value is dictated first by your ability to repair it, followed by your ability to find a motivated mcm buyer.

 

[ggregg]

Braun and Saba were considered the creme of the crop of German sets. They were many more Sabas imported though. Brauns are fairly rare in the US. That's a nice set but I would agree, in it's current state, worth is about $100. If you can do the work, you should be able to get it going fairly reasonably. The power issue may very well be a problem with the power switch which is tied to the push buttons. Common problem in many German sets. Sometimes very easy to fix, sometimes not depending on the switch. Or the transformer could be cooked, which would not be good.

Radio collectors tend to like sets that are not already restored and don't tend to pay a big premium for a restored set as many of them can fix it themselves and there are plenty around. Many not a lot of Brauns, but Grundigs, Telefunkens, Blaupunkt, Lowe Opta, Schaub Lorenz, and Saba. All were imported here in the fifties when Germany had to export anything it could to try to get their country back together after the war. With a few exceptions, most German sets look very similar.

I agree with Dave, the better market would be a MCM buyer for the best money if that's what you want to do and they will pay a good premium for a good working set. Just remember, the market peaked on most radios, except for the rare stuff and Zenith black dials which are still very popular, at least 10 years ago with collectors. MCM stuff has it's own niche because of it's design.